Cultural
So much more than just mountains and lakes…
Beyond the mountains and stunning scenery, or perhaps because of them, the Lake District has been home to some of Britain’s great writers, with William Wordsworth, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter all making their homes here.
The Lake District was awarded World Heritage status, in 2017 for it’s Cultural Landscape rather than for it’s natural beauty.
Having been extensively influenced by man’s hand it has also inspired artists from many genres.
Wordsworth lived at both Rydal Mount and Allan Bank, which he described as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. Rydal Mount was also home to Canon Rawnsley who co-founded the National Trust but is now back in the hands of the Wordsworth family. It contains many of the poet’s possessions and first editions of his works, while the gardens, designed by Wordsworth himself, are well worth a visit.
Beatrix Potter, author of the Peter Rabbit stories, loved Hill Top and based many of her stories there. The National Trust owned property remains very much as she left it and “appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk”. The World of Beatrix Potter attraction allows children (young and old) to immerse themselves in some of literature’s best loved children’s stories and characters.
Beyond literature, the nearby Holehird Gardens, home of the Lakeland Horticultural Society, and Blackwell, a masterpiece of twentieth-century design, make for fascinating days out, with regular events and exhibitions. Similarly, the Armitt Museum tells the history of Ambleside, it’s people, and the surrounding area. While, just up the hill towards Loughrigg, the High Close Estate and Arboretum is well worth visiting and is on the way if you are walking over towards Grasmere. While Ambleside Roman Fort, probably built under Hadrian’s rule in the 2nd Century and The Ruskin Museum, described as “The most thought-provoking [museum] in the Lakes” are also well worth a visit.
Rydal Mount
Explore William Wordsworth’s favourite home and discover breathtaking views of Windermere and Rydal Water! The house and gardens are well worth a visit.
Ambleside Roman Fort
Pete, our resident history buff, recommends Ambleside Roman Fort, which dates to the 2nd century, and was probably built by the Emperor Hadrian.
World of Beatrix Potter
Fun for all the family, step into the world of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck and more at the World of Beatrix Potter.
Soaking up the sun in the valley today! Hot hot hot!
#heatwave #hotsummer #lakedistrict #lakedistrictwalks #elterwater
Sunny Sunday of jobs in the garden to keep things looking lovely! Lawns were mowed, picnic benches repaired, and a Bluebird from @conistonbrewco was definitely earned!
#summersolstice #sunnysunday #bluebird #lakedistrict #earnedit
We’re delighted to share that we have again received the Travellers’ Choice award from @tripadvisor !
A big thank you to all our guests and everyone who’s left us a review this year!
Summer season is well and truly upon us, but there’s still plenty of availability if you still haven’t booked your next stay!
#travellerschoice #thankyou #lakedistrictnationalpark #elterwater #lakedistricthikers
A cup of tea, a misty morning, and this glorious old tree!
#treesofinstagram #notjustlakes #lakedistrict #lakedistrictviews #morningbrew
One of our favourite views, but we’ll give the bench a miss for now 🤦♂️
#langdalepikes #elterwater #lakedistrict #lakedistrictwalking #lakedistrictlife
A moment of calm, water under the bridge, Elterwater.
#elterwater #calm #relax #nature #lakedistrictlife
These lovely ladies stayed with us as part of their 3 Day Cumbria Way attempt. Cracking weather for it!
#fellrunning #cumbriaway #getoutside #exploremore #lakedistrictwalks
Slater’s Bridge, in Little Langdale, just a short walk from the Hostel, which dates back to the 17th Century, was described by Alfred Wainwright as “the most picturesque footbridge in Lakeland, a slender arch constructed of slate from the quarries and built to give the quarrymen a shorter access from their homes”
Some of our favourite walks from the front door take us over this beautiful old bridge.
📷 @geobilb0
#slatersbridge #langdale #lakedistrictwalks #lakedistrictphotography #lakedistrictlife
We’re Hiring: Hostel Assistant
Elterwater Independent Hostel, Lake District
Immediate start | Seasonal role until the end of September (with potential for more!)
Do you enjoy working with people, take pride in creating welcoming spaces, and don’t mind rolling up your sleeves? We’re looking for a friendly and flexible Hostel Assistant to join our team for the busy summer season.
This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You’ll support across reception, housekeeping, and food & beverage, helping us deliver a warm welcome, high standards, and a memorable guest experience.
What We’re Looking For
A positive, can-do attitude
Reliable and adaptable
Happy to work flexible hours, including weekends and bank holidays
Pride in delivering excellent customer service and maintaining clean, welcoming spaces
Previous hospitality experience is helpful but not essential — we value enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn above all else.
What We Offer
Minimum of 30 hours per week
Pay at National Living Wage
Accommodation availabl
The opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District.
Interested?
To find out more, please email your CV and a short note explaining why you’d like to join the team to:
adrian@elterwaterhostel.co.uk
#jobs #hospitalityjob #jobsincumbria #lakedistrictuk #lakedistrictnationalpark
Dinner is served 🍽️
Join us from 6–8pm for a relaxed evening meal, with everything from Cumberland sausage & mash and chilli (beef or 5 bean) to curries, pasta, quiche and 12” pizzas.
Fancy something lighter? We’ve got soups, toasted sandwiches & baguettes too. And don’t skip dessert… sticky toffee pudding is calling 👀
Non-residents welcome – come in, grab a table, and enjoy!
New breakfast menu now being served! 🍳☕️
Join us daily from 7:30–9:30am for everything from a hearty Cumbrian breakfast or veggie Fell Walker, to pancakes, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
Pair it with our fresh bean-to-cup coffee for the perfect start to your day.
Non-residents welcome – pop in and enjoy!
We’re delighted to share that we’ve been awarded a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-star Food Hygiene Rating! A huge thank you to our fantastic team for their hard work and commitment to maintaining the highest standards.
We’re also excited to introduce our refreshed dining experience, with new menus and a more relaxed, café-style approach. You can now enjoy:
🥐 Breakfast served between 7:30am – 9:30am
🍽️ Evening meals available from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
It’s all about great food in a more casual, welcoming setting.
Keep an eye out for more posts coming soon as we showcase our new menus… we can’t wait for you to try them!
